It was all happy families in Mr Selfridge’s final episode – for now, at least (Picture: ITV)

This article contains spoilers for those who have yet to watch the final episode of Mr Selfridge.

After weeks of war trauma, marital strife and dodgy dealings, counterbalanced with generous doses of retail therapy, the second series of Mr Selfridge has finally come to an end.

And with a third series, in which producers promise Harry’s life will ‘unravel’, already on the cards, it was almost inevitable that this final instalment would ramp up the drama in preparation for future events.

Chief among these was the ongoing ‘chest congestion’ which left Rose looking a bit pale in episode nine, which once again reared its head this week – and to the surprise of absolutely no-one turned out to be more than just a bit of a cold.

Yes, it became apparent that Mrs Selfridge was not long for this world, something which threatened to thoroughly ruin the family’s Thanksgiving celebrations until she insisted both she and Harry put on a brave face and tuck in to the turkey as planned.

Luckily – and if you weren’t already dabbing your eyes with the nearest available Kleenex at this point – she made it to the end of the episode alive, but with series three reportedly bringing the action forward to 1919, it’s probably safe to say that we’ve seen the last of Rose (which of course also means bidding farewell to Frances O’Connor from the cast).

Somehow we don’t think Frances O’Connor will be coming back (Picture: ITV)

Reasons to be thankful

But while the spectre of death may have cast a pall over the Selfridge home, there was much to celebrate in the episode too, as Lady Mae finally took a spectacular revenge on Lord Loxley which saw him get his comeuppance for his dodgy war dealings – and Harry ultimately vindicated.

There was also good news for Henri Leclair as he found himself a free man and promptly declared his intention to join the French army – but not before declaring his love for a newly single Agnes, set free from her engagement to Victor.

And there was also romance in the air for Miss Mardle, who attempted to cut Florian out of her life in spite of her obvious feelings for him – only to receive help from an unexpected source and a happy ending – or at least a happy end to the series – for the pair.

Ultimately though it’ll be the Selfridges who will be most on viewers’ minds as we rumble on towards series three – and while the episode may have ended on a happy note as the family gathered for a lively Thanksgiving dinner, there was a bittersweet air as Rose came in to shot for what must surely have been the final time.

Still, at least for that moment the mood was upbeat – but we’re going to have to wait a while to find out what the future holds for the Selfridges mob. Same time next year then everybody?

Metro Blogs is a place for opinions. These opinions belong to the author and are not necessarily shared by Metro.